3. Design development
Once a concept is approved, we develop the story and copy further and implement the design concept across all page layouts. As every coffee table book designer will tell you, having a higher number of pages will result in a heavier, thicker book, which will have much more gravitas than a lower page count. More pages also enables full bleed imagery, room for conceptual design and emphasis where needed, plus the all important breathing space – something which is particularly important for luxury brands.
4. The power of pictures
As well as great copy and excellent design, high resolution, emotive imagery is essential to communicate with readers on a deeper, more emotional level. Our clients often have their own fantastic imagery but if not, we can source high resolution imagery through image libraries or commission bespoke photography shoots (depending on our client’s specific brief and budget).
“It’s amazing how many times we get approached by a luxury brand who want to create a coffee table book but don’t have good images. It’s very hard to create a beautiful coffee table book without great photography. One piece of advice I would give to every luxury brand is that when it comes to photographing your work, think ahead and get it done professionally. Consider it an investment.”
Jo Stedman, Creative Director, SO Creative
5. The power of touch
As specialist print designers we spend a great deal of time developing ideas for the look and feel, including paper stock, printing method, binding technique and cover design/material. We strongly believe that the tactile nature of a coffee table book is just as important as the contents within. Touch is one of the most effective ways to communicate and the tactile quality of a book can completely transform how it is perceived. In terms of creating a desirable and premium feel, we could argue that how a book looks and feels actually has more power than the contents within!
At SO, we spend a great deal of time on these aspects and work with some very specialist craftsmen and women to achieve beautiful results which give coffee table books the wow factor they deserve. However, the immediate wow factor of the most premium coffee table books is often achieved not through the book cover itself, but through bespoke packaging.
By bespoke packaging, we are not only referring to the physical format and cover design of the book itself, but also any box or slipcase that might be included. A box is your very first opportunity to impress your clients and create the desire to look closer. After all, the book contents can exceed expectations, but first one must want to open the book!